Resistance and Adherence to antiretroviral medications

There are more than 25 antiretroviral (ARV) medications currently available and numerous potential combinations or treatment regimens. Once you find a treatment regimen that is right for you the tough part begins - making sure it keeps working.



Two major factors that can affect the success of your treatment are adherence and resistance. Adherence refers to how closely you follow your treatment regimen, taking the correct medication at the right time, the right dose and in the right way. Resistance occurs when the virus in your body no longer responds to the medications you are taking.

The relationship between the two is essential to treatment success, because taking your medications as directed can help reduce the chances of the HIV virus becoming resistant to your medications. You have complete control over your adherence to your antiretroviral (ARV) medication and therefore play a key role in reducing the risk of resistance developing.

Understand Adherence

Learn About HIV Drug Resistance

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